We have recently demonstrated the efficacy of a near-infrared-Raman fiberoptic sensor for use in laser angioplasty and cardiovascular surgery. A major advantage of the Raman-based system over existing guidance techniques is its fingerprinting capability with improved specificity for detecting atherosclerotic tissues both in-vitro and in-vivo. The use of such a fiberoptic sensor will improve the safety of laser angioplasty by eliminating the current risk of vessel wall perforation. Once developed, the device also will be well suited for in-vivo monitoring and characterization of restenosis after balloon angioplasty and in-vivo study of atheroma progression and regression in animal models.